Bernedoodle Types and Terminology

An F1 Bernedoodle (50% Poodle with 50% Bernese Mountain Dog) is the initial generation Bernedoodle that is a cross between a 100% Bernese Mountain Dog and a 100% Poodle.

Most people, when thinking of a Bernedoodle, are probably thinking of the F1 Bernedoodle. F1 Bernedoodle genetics can vary a lot that will influence how they look. So, when a Bernedoodle has flattened hair, it is taking on a trait influenced from a Bernese Mountain Dog. Curly hair reflects more of a Poodle trait, a trait that implies less shedding and more hypoallergenic.

An F1B Bernedoodle is a cross in between an F1 Bernedoodle that is half Poodle and half Bernese Mountain Dog and one of the original purebred breeds; either a 100% Standard Poodle or 100% Bernese Mountain Dog. Usually, an F1B Bernedoodle is a cross between an F1 Bernedoodle as well as a 100% Poodle as breeders favor dog coat that does not shed and is hypoallergenic.

The F1B Bernedoodle generation is typically described as one of the most hypoallergenic Bernedoodle available because it has more Poodle traits and attributes.

The F1BB Bernedoodle is usually 87.5% Poodle and 12.5% Bernese Mountain Dog and is a cross between an F1B Bernedoodle of 75% Poodle and 25% Bernese Mountain Dog and an original purebred Poodle or purebred Bernese Mountain Dog. Many breeders will typically choose to mate the F1B Bernedoodle with a purebred Poodle in order to make the F1BB Bernedoodle much more hypoallergenic as well as non-shedding.

The F2 Bernedoodle is a second generation of Bernedoodle and is a cross between an F1 Bernedoodle of 50/50 mix and another F1 Bernedoodle, also of 50/50 mix. The F2 generations are like an F1 generation because of the 50/50 mix is maintained. The F2 Bernedoodle will shed fur on the ground. If you are looking for a Bernedoodle that does not shed hair, you should probably steer clear of an F2 Bernedoodle.

The F2B Bernedoodle is going to be either 62.5% Poodle or 75% Poodle and is a cross between an F1 Bernedoodle of 50/50 mix with another F1B Bernedoodle of 75% Poodle and 25% Bernese Mountain Dog.

An F2BB Bernedoodle is one of the most hypoallergenic and non-shedding of all the second generation Bernedoodles because of the large quantity of Poodle genes. The F2BB Bernedoodle of 81.25% Poodle and 18.75% Bernese Mountain Dog is a cross in between an F2B Bernedoodle of 62.5% Poodle and 37.5% Bernese Mountain Dog with a purebred Poodle. This is the 2nd backcross with the Poodle and so it obtains a second “B” in its name.

The F3 Bernedoodle is also called the Multi-generation Bernedoodle. This is the third generation or better of Bernedoodle. F3 Bernedoodles have substantial Poodle genes so it is fantastic for individuals with pet allergies. The F3 Bernedoodle generation coat can differ from a heavy wave to extremely curly which makes them extremely allergy-friendly and non-shedding. Multi-generation Bernedoodles are used to define any Bernedoodle beyond the 2nd generation. Many breeders will simply list Multi-generation Bernedoodle as opposed to noting the exact generation of Bernedoodle. If you want to know more about your multi-generation, please ask us.

There is a gene which can be inherited from Poodles, which is called the fading gene. It causes the color of a dog’s coat to get lighter as they age. Any doodle can fade. Because the Bernedoodle has poodle in them they do tend to fade. Bruno one of our f1 Bernedoodle studs does carry the fading gene. Some of his puppies will start out as black and turn silver, salt and pepper or bluish grey or a combination of all 3. When puppies are 6 months old, we can generally tell if a Bernedoodle puppy will fade. Personally, we think all Bernedoodles are beautiful no matter if they fade or keep their color. Bruno has faded to a beautiful combination of 4 colors, salt and pepper, silver, tan and white. Although many pet owners care about color, our primary goal is to raise healthy well-tempered pets.